Does Belgium have a future?
Posted by cabalamat on 2007-Sep-20
Some people think Belgium might split up, with the Flemish (Dutch-speaking) and Walloon (French-speaking) parts going their separate ways.
Alex Harrowell uses an interesting turn of phrase to suggest it will stay together:
Of course, nothing of the sort is going to happen – in fact, if you wanted my prediction I’d say nothing at all will happen. Belgium may consist only of the King, the army, a football team, some diplomats and taxmen, and the capital, but that’s more than the Austro-Hungarian Empire had in the way of central institutions.
George Carty said
I remember reading Mike Stone’s suggestion on soc.history.war.misc as to why Belgium has stayed intact – the Walloons were traditionally top dogs in Belgium, and wouldn’t give that up to become just a few extra French départements, while the Flemings don’t want to join with Holland because they are Catholics while the Dutch-proper are Protestants.
cabalamat said
That sounds plausible.